A recent study indicates that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using such treatments need to be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
